CPT code 38305 denotes incision and drainage of an abscessed or infected lymph node, typically performed when the affected node is enlarged, inflamed, or located deep enough that simple aspiration is inadequate. Nationally, this code captures a focused surgical intervention that can be performed in an outpatient surgical suite, ambulatory procedure center, or operating room, and it is relevant to surgical, infectious disease, and wound care billing workflows.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and service setting, a summary of common billing modifiers and claims considerations, and what to expect from payer coverage patterns and reimbursement conversations. The report highlights typical sites of service and common clinical indications for use, and it outlines benchmarks and policy updates where available. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.